This morning, I popped out of bed to run to the restroom (had a big glass of iced tea before passing out at 4am). And while standing there, I caught myself working on a headline in my head…

I was subconsciously thinking, “No, I need a good word that is better and more powerful… this is an important letter”… blah blah

I did not even realize I did that until I woke up (woke up about 3pm). Then, it happened again a few moments ago while LISTENTING TO MY WIFE.

She was talking to me about this large doll house she purchased for her niece for Christmas, and I was hearing her, but not really “listening”… I was fricken working on that same headline…

What is up with that? Ok, you are all copywriters… what does this mean? Do I need more sleep? Do I need a few days off? Will I be hearing voices next??

Do you write copy in your sleep too? I think I dream copy… not sure… but I think so. Anyway, thanks for listening (or reading…)

~Eric Louviere

Not to worry.

It merely means you love what you do and are into your work.

It means you are passionate.

There's nothing wrong with being passionate.

Passion...or lack of, is often the difference between success and failure.

I actually sleep with a voice activated recorder on my nightstand, in the event I wake up with a great idea for a headline, article, copy or anything else.

Just be sure not to let your work affect the passion between you and your wife.

Dale King

Hey Eric,

I'm driving down the freeway this morning critiquing every billboard we pass Its not just you, buddy.

Bruce

There are plenty of those to critique there, no doubt. My wife and I were recently at this old-timer restaurant where we sat down at a booth. Up on the wall was a vintage ad of a 1956 Oldsmobile.

I instantly noticed the copy. The picture showed a couple walking up to the car. The man was wearing a tuxedo and the lady was dressed in an elegant evening gown, both smiling and holding each other as they approached the car...

At the top was the headline, in the middle was the car and the couple and the copy towards the bottom in smaller font. Here it is for you:

+++

Presenting...
The Fine Line Of Distinction!

Inviting your inspection... a new masterpiece by Oldsmoblie for '56!

In this magnificent new Ninety-Eight, you see the splendor of StarFire Styling
...beauty that's fresh and original, beauty that says Oldsmobile in an inspiring new way. New Jetaway Hydra-Matic gives you that perfect driving combination -- wonderful smoothness and dazzling action! And the mightiest Rocket Engine ever, The Rocket T-350, powers this glorious new car! See this great new Oldsmobile at your dealer's now

New Ninety-Eight by Oldsmobile

+++

Pretty cool huh? I asked the server for a pen and wrote it down on a napkin. I was so into it, my wife snapped a picture of it on her cell. There were a few others on the wall for other cars, equally well written.

Dale, thanks man. I think I need one of those recorders also. I checked my super-duper cell phone and there is one on it. Maybe I can train myself on how to use it while 80% asleep...

However, I might end up calling someone accidentally at 4am. lol

~Eric

It happens to me all the time. It sit at my computer and can't write a line of copy. But when I'm reading, driving, ect. it just flows.

I keep a voice-activated recorder in the glove compartment of my car as well.

Dale King

I obsess, too. When I'm in the middle of a project, I can only think about that project. I'm not saying that's a good thing, but I get very involved with what I do. I don't take time off if I've got projects waiting. I've got to learn to curb that a bit. I love what I do so much that it's not work to me. (You can file that under "Deb's gotta get a social life.")